The most popular route from Tashkent to Samarkand is by train. Multiple trains depart Tashkent each day, and prices are reasonable. Trains, however, are not the only option. There are also multiple busses each day, and, if none of the above work, shared taxis are also an option. I traveled by bus, so that is what I will be discussing here.
Bus Station: Toshkent Avtovokzal
Price: 4 Euros
Process:
First, get to the bus station. There are multiple busses each day, so do not worry too much about the timing. If you really want to be safe, you could stop by the day before and ask the schedule for the next day. I recommend coming early to ensure that you will not miss the last bus of the day.
Approach the ticket counter and ask for a ticket to Samarkand. I arrived around 11 a.m., was told that the next bus was at 1 p.m., and bought a ticket for about four Euros. I spent about fifty cents to drop by luggage off in the storage room downstairs and walked across the street for some lunch and groceries to kill time. I came back at 12:45, picked up my luggage, and walked to the platform listed on the receipt. The bus was on time. Five hours later, I was dropped off in the center of Samarkand.
It is worth noting that the bus—or at least my bus—does not stop. There are no smoke breaks and no bathroom breaks. I reccomend stocking up on food and maybe using the bathroom before leaving. Otherwise, it could be a long trip. The bus passes through some interesting scenery, though it is nothing too crazy. There are some fields where food is growing and some animals grazing on the way. I managed to spot a few camels.
The ride is very easy and comfortable. My bus had neither wifi nor outlets, but this is not a huge deal as I did not expect it to. The journey by train is far more popular, but I do not know why. The bus is cheap, quick, and plesant.
Wide Open Road 